ES2739005T3 - Aircraft cooking system - Google Patents

Abstract

Aircraft kitchen (104) comprising: a trolley compartment (102) configured to receive at least one kitchen trolley (108), the trolley compartment (102) being defined by a plurality of walls (154), comprising the plurality of walls a rear wall (166) behind the cart compartment (102), side walls (168, 170) along the side parts of the cart compartment (102), an intermediate wall (105) above the compartment ( 102) and a lower wall (160) below the cart compartment (102); at least one door (152) coupled to the cart compartment (102) to enclose and allow access to the cart compartment (102); and a supply duct (132) configured to supply chilled air flow to the cart compartment (102), the supply duct (132) being placed in the cart compartment (102) in front of the rear wall (166) and positioned in the cart compartment (102) between the intermediate wall (105) and the lower wall (160), the supply duct (132) including a supply device (176) to allow air flow from inside the duct ( 132) into the cart compartment (102), wherein the supply duct (132) includes a rear part (182) facing the rear wall (166), a front part (180) facing the at least one door (152) and a side part (184, 186) extending between the front part (180) and the rear part (182) of the supply duct (132), in which the part (184, 186 ) side is configured to face the at least one kitchen cart (108).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Aircraft cooking system

Background

The present disclosure relates, in general, to cooling systems and methods of an aircraft kitchen.

An aircraft normally includes multiple kitchens to store food and drinks in the aircraft. Food and beverages are normally stored in kitchen carts that are transported to the aircraft and stored in refrigeration compartments or in areas in kitchens. Normally, a heat exchanger is provided at the top of the kitchen and supplies cooled air to each of the compartments or areas by means of a plurality of air ducts and other components. In conventional systems, the air ducts and the supply and return devices associated with the air ducts are guided through the back wall of the kitchen to the cart compartment to supply the cooled air to the cart compartment and to return the air to heat exchanger. For example, vertical ducts can extend from the heat exchanger, located above the kitchen, down to the rear wall of the kitchen at the level of the cart compartment, which is located at the bottom of the kitchen. Horizontal ducts can be extended from the corresponding vertical ducts along the various kitchen carts to supply the air to, or return the air from, the kitchen carts and the cart compartment.

A large amount of space is required for air flow supply and return components, such as ducts and valves that come into contact with kitchen carts. The kitchen footprint is large enough to accommodate the kitchen trolleys, as well as the supply and return air flow components. The kitchens occupy a considerable space inside the cabin of the aircraft, which limits the number of passenger seats that can be provided in the aircraft. For example, the air flow supply and return components may add approximately 4-5 inches (in) (10-13 centimeters (cm)) deep to the kitchens, and some aircraft may have eight or more kitchens, which It involves a large amount of cabin space for the air flow supply and return components, which can be used for other purposes.

US 2015/0059384 A1 discloses an apparatus for air cooling of aircraft kitchen food carts, which includes one or more areas of cooled kitchen food cart and one or more supply duct assemblies and kitchen cooling air return including a supply air flow duct and a bifurcated return air flow duct, in which the air flow balancing dampers can be placed in the air return outlet parts and the supply part of the supply air flow duct, and contact surfaces between kitchen food carts and supply outlet holes and return inlet holes may include insulated or flexible seals, and spring loaded sealing tabs open by contacting a part of a kitchen food cart.

US 2015/0059385 A1 discloses a modular duct apparatus for cold aircraft kitchens to either pass air over or pass air through carts, which has a modular main supply and return duct assemblies, in which outlet orifice connection adapters are configured to connect cooling supply air duct outlet orifices to each of air or over-air aircraft kitchen configurations through food carts, in which the assemblies of supply and return conduit are installed insulated, and can be made of thermoformed plastic, prepreg, or a carbon fiber reinforced compound, in which the upper and lower parts of the supply conduit can be connected by a connection adapter, and the upper and lower parts of the return conduit can be connected by a connection adapter, allowing the part top of the supply duct and the top of the return duct overlap.

US 6,845,627 B1 discloses an aircraft kitchen air cooling system that uses a controller that has software to regulate the temperature inside food carts within a kitchen air cooling unit, in which The cooling unit includes return air temperature and supply air sensors that measure the temperature of the air entering and leaving the food cart, in which the return air temperature is regulated by controlling the amount of a liquid refrigerant that It flows through a heat exchanger inside the cooling unit.

EP 3095698 A1 mentions the technique according to article 54 (3) EPC and discloses a kitchen cooling system that includes a liquid heat exchange loop, and a communication air heat exchange loop thermal with the liquid heat exchange loop, in which the air heat exchange loop includes a heat exchanger configured to engage in fluid communication with at least one kitchen cart, and optionally the kitchen cooling system includes a control system in operation communication with the liquid heat exchange loop and the air heat exchange loop.

Summary

In a first aspect of the invention an aircraft kitchen is provided as defined in claim 1 of the appended claims.

According to one embodiment, a kitchen is provided that includes a cart compartment configured to receive at least one kitchen cart. The cart compartment is defined by a plurality of walls that includes a rear wall behind the cart compartment, side walls along the side parts of the cart compartment, an intermediate wall above the cart compartment and a bottom wall by under the cart compartment. Doors are attached to the cart compartment to enclose and allow access to the cart compartment. A supply duct supplies cooled air flow to the cart compartment. The supply conduit is placed in the cart compartment in front of the rear wall and placed in the cart compartment between the intermediate wall and the bottom wall. The supply conduit includes a supply device to allow air flow from an interior of the supply conduit to the interior of the cart compartment.

According to another embodiment, a kitchen is provided that includes a cart compartment that includes a cavity configured to receive at least one kitchen cart. The cart compartment is defined by a plurality of walls that includes a rear wall behind the cart compartment and opposite a front part of the cart compartment. Doors are attached to the front of the cart compartment to enclose and allow access to the cart compartment. A supply duct supplies cooled air flow to the cart compartment. The supply conduit has a rear part facing the rear wall, a front part in the cavity facing the doors and a side part in the cavity extending between the front part and the rear part and configured to be oriented towards the at least A kitchen cart The supply duct includes a supply device on the side that allows air flow to pass from inside the supply duct to the inside of the cart compartment through the side.

According to a further embodiment, a cooking system is provided that includes a heat exchanger that supplies cooled air flow, an air flow supply and return system having a supply conduit and a return conduit in fluid communication with the heat exchanger, and a kitchen that receives the supply duct and the return duct and is in fluid communication with the heat exchanger. The kitchen includes a cart compartment that includes a cavity configured to receive a first kitchen cart and a second kitchen cart. The cavity receives the supply conduit to supply cooled air flow to the cart compartment. The supply conduit includes a supply device to allow air flow from an interior of the supply conduit to the cart compartment. The first kitchen cart has a reduced depth compared to the second kitchen cart. The cart compartment is defined by a plurality of walls that includes a rear wall behind the cavity. The cavity being divided into a first cart space configured to receive the first kitchen cart and a second cart space configured to receive the second kitchen cart. The first cart space having a first depth and the second cart space has a second depth. The supply conduit is placed in the cart compartment between the rear wall and the first cart space so that the first depth is less than the second depth.

The features and functions discussed above can be achieved independently in various embodiments or can be combined in still other embodiments, additional details of which can be observed with reference to the following description and drawings.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary kitchen system for an aircraft.

Figure 2 is a front cross-sectional view through a width of a kitchen of the kitchen system according to an exemplary embodiment.

Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view through a kitchen depth according to an exemplary embodiment showing an air supply.

Figure 4 is a side cross-sectional view through a depth of the kitchen according to an exemplary embodiment showing an air return.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view from above through the width of the kitchen according to an exemplary embodiment.

Figure 6 is a front cross-sectional view across a width of a kitchen according to an exemplary embodiment showing an air supply and an air return.

Detailed description

The following detailed description of certain embodiments will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the provisions and are shown instrumentally in the drawings.

As used herein, an element or stage mentioned in the singular and followed by the word "a" or "a" should be understood as not excluding the plural of said elements or stages, unless such exclusion is Mention specifically. In addition, references to "one embodiment" are not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the aforementioned features. In addition, unless explicitly specified otherwise, "comprising" or "having" an element or a plurality of elements that have a particular property may include such additional elements that do not have that property.

Various embodiments of a kitchen system for an aircraft configured to supply cooling air to a cart compartment of a kitchen structure, or simply kitchen, for cooling kitchen carts are described herein. Various embodiments provide kitchen system cooling ducts that are arranged to reduce a size or footprint of the kitchen structure, which can provide additional space in the passenger compartment, such as to add additional space for passenger seats and / or space for additional legs. Various embodiments provide an effective cooling environment for kitchen carts using an arrangement of supply and return ducts in the cart compartment to allow air cooling on an effective cart of the kitchen carts.

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary kitchen system 100 for an aircraft 106. The kitchen system 100 is used to cool kitchen carts 108 maintained in a kitchen compartment 102 of a kitchen 104. The kitchen 104 defines one or more cart compartments 102, which are normally arranged below an intermediate wall 105 of the kitchen 104, which can define a countertop and hereinafter referred to as countertop 105. The intermediate wall 105 defines an upper part from cart compartment 102. The kitchen 104 is placed inside a cabin 110 of the aircraft 106, and the cabin of the aircraft 106 is divided into a passenger area 112, where the passenger seats 114 are located, and a kitchen area 115, where The kitchen 104 is located. The passenger zone 112 is the outer area of the kitchen 104 within the aircraft 106 where the passengers are normally located. The kitchen zone 115 has a work area for the kitchen crew in front of the kitchen 104 where the cart compartments 102, countertop 105 and storage cabinets or containers can be accessed. The space intended for the kitchen 104 cannot be used for passenger seats 114 or other purposes such as bathrooms, and therefore it may be desirable for aircraft manufacturers to reduce the footprint of the kitchen area 115 with the in order to increase passenger zone 112 to increase the benefits of each flight for aircraft operators.

As used herein, a cart compartment is an isolated or non-insulated volume that is used to store one or more kitchen carts in the aircraft 106. A kitchen cart, as used herein, is a portable device that is used to store food and / or beverages that are transported from a food supplier to aircraft 106 or from cart compartments 102 to other parts of aircraft 106 to serve food and / or beverages. Kitchen carts may include wheels, however, some kitchen carts may be hand-carried boxes in some embodiments.

The kitchen 104 may include any number of cart compartments 102 and the aircraft 106 may include any number of kitchens 104. The kitchens 104 are normally arranged close to the doors of the aircraft 106, as in the fore part and / or aft of cabin 110, but may be located midway in some embodiments. Each cart compartment 102 can hold any number of kitchen carts 108, including a single kitchen cart. The kitchens 104 may be used for storage and / or preparation of food or beverages. Some kitchens can be bar units used strictly for beverage preparation. Some kitchens can be incorporated into other structures used for other purposes such as cupboards, work stations, bathrooms, and the like.

The cooking system 100 includes a heat exchanger 116 that provides cooled air. The heat exchanger 116 may be placed above the kitchen 104 (for example, in the main part of the aircraft 106), as in the illustrated embodiment, it may be placed in the kitchen 104, or it may be placed below the kitchen 104 ( for example, in the belly of the aircraft 106). The cooking system 100 includes an air flow supply and return system 118, in fluid communication with the heat exchanger 116 and the cart compartments 102, to channel the cold air supply from the heat exchanger 116 to the cart compartments 102 and back to heat exchanger 116.

Figure 2 is a front cross-sectional view across the width of the kitchen 104 and the kitchen system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 3 is a side cross-sectional view through the depth of the kitchen 104 and the kitchen system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment showing the air supply. Figure 4 is a side cross-sectional view through the depth of the kitchen 104 and the kitchen system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment showing the return of air. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view from above through the width of the kitchen 104 and the kitchen system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The components are identified in at least one of the various figures 2-5, but not necessarily in all the figures in which such components are shown. The components are not drawn to scale.

The kitchen 104 includes a lower part 120, an upper part 122, a front part 124, a rear part 126 opposite the front part 124, and first and second side parts 128, 130. The intermediate wall 105 extends to the less partially between the side parts 128, 130 and at least partially between the front part 124 and the rear part 126. The intermediate wall 105 may be centered approximately between the lower part 120 and the upper part 122; however, the intermediate wall 105 may be placed closer to the lower part 120 or closer to the upper part 122 in various embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the cart compartment 102 is placed between the intermediate wall 105 and the lower part 120. The rear part 126 may be bow-oriented, stern-oriented or side-oriented, depending on the orientation of the kitchen 104 inside the cabin 110. The rear part 126 may be oriented towards the passenger area 112 (for example, passenger seats 114 may be located behind the rear part 126, in front of the rear part 126, and the like); however, in alternative embodiments, the rear portion 126 may be placed against a screen.

In an exemplary embodiment, the heat exchanger 116 is placed in the upper part 122 of the kitchen 104. The heat exchanger 116 includes a fan or other air handling device to increase the air flow through the system 100 cooking The fan causes the air flow to pass through the air flow supply and return system 118 and directs the air over a used kitchen cooling unit to reduce the air flow temperature. The fan can be placed in the air flow supply and return system 118, such as between a return duct and a supply duct. The fan can be placed upstream of the kitchen cooling unit; however, the fan can be placed in other locations in alternative embodiments. In one embodiment, the kitchen cooling unit is a cooled liquid kitchen cooling unit that provides cooled liquid, such as a refrigerant, to heat exchanger 116 to cool the air supply. The heat exchange of the liquid can be carried out away from the heat exchanger 116 and from the kitchen 104, such as in the belly of the aircraft 106. In another embodiment, the kitchen cooling unit is a conventional refrigeration unit, which includes a evaporator, a condenser, a compressor, and an expansion valve (not shown).

The air flow supply and return system 118 is disposed within the kitchen 104. Components of the air flow supply and return system 118 can be guided in various locations of the kitchen 104 and / or aircraft to supply and return the air as necessary. In the illustrated embodiment, components of the air flow supply and return system 118 are generally arranged along the rear portion 126 of the kitchen 104, such as along the rear wall of the kitchen 104 (by for example, in the back of the cabinets, in the back of the cart compartment (s) 102, in the back of other kitchen compartments 104, and the like). In an exemplary embodiment, the components of the air flow supply and return system 118 are guided to areas to reduce a depth of at least a part of the kitchen 104. For example, one or more ducts of the system 118 of supply and return of air flow are guided to locations other than within the back wall of the kitchen 104 to reduce the depth of the cart compartment 102, which may decrease the footprint of the kitchen area 115, and therefore increase the Footprint of passenger zone 112.

The air flow supply and return system 118 includes a plurality of ducts for supplying and returning air to the cart compartment 102 and the kitchen cart 108. For example, the system 118 includes at least one cooling air supply conduit 132 for supplying cooled air to the cart compartment (s) 102 and at least one air return conduit 134 for returning air to the air exchanger 116 hot. The ducts 132, 134, instead of being integrated into the walls or structures that define the kitchen trolley compartment 102, are placed in front of the rear wall defining the trolley compartment 102 and are guided directly into the cavity of the cart compartment 102 as opposed to being placed behind the cavity of cart compartment 102. The ducts 132, 134 are guided in the cart space for the kitchen trolleys 108 and therefore occupy space that, otherwise, conventionally, is used for the kitchen trolleys 108. When occupying cart space, the number of carts or the size of one or more of the kitchen carts 108 may need to be reduced; however, reducing the total depth of the kitchen 104, such as removing thickness in the back wall previously and conventionally used to guide supply and return ducts in the back wall, allows more space to be allocated to the area 112 of passengers and increases the number of passenger seats 114. The reduction in the volume of the trolley compartment 102 is equal to an increase in the volume of the passenger area 112 and more space for the passenger seats 114 and / or more space for the passenger legs in the passenger seats 114 (an amount of space 140 won is illustrated in Figures 3 and 4). Optionally, the kitchen width can be increased, without an increase in depth, to overcome the reduction of cart space so that the kitchen 104 includes all the full-size carts instead of half of a cart.

The trolley compartment 102 is positioned close to the lower part 120, such as below the intermediate wall 105, for loading and unloading the kitchen trolleys 108 in a cavity 150 defined by the trolley compartment 102. Cabinets or other uncooled compartments may be provided above the cart compartment 102, such as above the countertop area of the kitchen 104. In some alternative embodiments, the cooled compartments may be provided above the countertop area and the arrangements Supply and return air flow described herein may be useful for such cooled compartments.

Optionally, the cart compartment 102 may have one or more doors 152 in the front portion 124 that can be opened to provide access to the cavity 150 of the cart compartment 102, such as to load and unload the kitchen carts 108 through the front part 124. Door (s) 152 may be closed to retain kitchen carts 108 in cart compartment 102 and / or to enclose the cooling space in cavity 150 and / or to provide thermal insulation. In an exemplary embodiment, when the kitchen cart 108 is placed in cavity 150, a space around kitchen cart 108 is defined. Optionally, air may be able to flow around the kitchen cart 108 in space. In alternative embodiments, an air supply arrangement through a cart can be used and, in such an embodiment, the doors 152 may be unnecessary. Air can flow from side to side through the carts or the carts can be turned 90 ° to allow the supply of air through the cart.

The trolley compartment 102 includes a plurality of walls 154 that define the cavity 150. The trolley compartment 102 is part of the kitchen 104 and at least some of the walls 154 of the trolley compartment 102 may be part of the walls of the kitchen 104 or other structures of the aircraft 106. In an exemplary embodiment, the cart compartment 102 includes a lower wall 160, an upper wall 162, a front wall 164, a rear wall 166 and side walls 168, 170. Optionally, the kitchen 104 may include multiple cart compartments 102 (for example, cart compartments of right side and left side) and side walls 168, 170 can separate adjacent cart compartments 102. In alternative embodiments, the kitchen 104 may include a single cart compartment 102 and the side walls 168, 170 define or extend along the outer side portions 128, 130 of the kitchen 104. The front wall 164 includes one or more entrances defined through it and closed by doors 152. The entrances allow the kitchen cart 108 to be loaded into, and unloaded from the cart compartment 102. The doors 152 are coupled to the front wall 164 to close the entrance. The upper wall 162 may be defined by the intermediate wall 105 of the kitchen 104, or alternatively, the intermediate wall 105 may be placed above the upper wall 162. The lower wall 160 may be defined by a floor of the cabin 110, or alternatively, the lower wall may be placed on the floor of the cabin 110.

The rear wall 166 includes an inner surface 172 and an outer surface 174 opposite the inner surface 172. The inner surface 172 is oriented towards the cavity 150 of the cart compartment 102. The outer surface 174 may define the rear portion 126 of the kitchen 104 and may be exposed to the outside environment of the kitchen 104. For example, the rear wall 166 may be exposed to the passenger area 112 of the cabin 110. The wall 166 Rear is provided opposite the front wall 164 and the doors 152. Portions or all of the rear wall 166 may be devoid of air ducts or other components of the air flow supply and return system 118. The rear wall 166 is thin, such as a single panel, as opposed to conventional kitchens that provide ducts within the thickness of the rear wall, such as in a compartmentalized wall with a double panel. Such conventional rear walls are normally approximately 4-5 inches (10-13 cm) wide between the inner surface 172 and the outer surface 174. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the rear wall 166 is devoid of air ducts and therefore has a thickness between the outer and inner surfaces 172, 174 of approximately 0.5 inches (1-2 cm). By removing the conduits in the rear wall 166, the rear wall 166, and therefore the entire kitchen footprint, can be reduced by approximately 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) or more. In the illustrated embodiment, both supply and return ducts 132, 134 are located in the upper wall 162. In the illustrated embodiment, the supply and return conduits 132, 134 are changed in front of the rear wall 166 and extend directly vertically below the intermediate wall 105.

In an exemplary embodiment, the air flow supply and return system 118 includes at least one supply device 176 and at least one return device 178. The supply device 176 is provided along and is in fluid communication with the supply conduit 132. The return device 178 is provided along and is in fluid communication with the return conduit 134. In various embodiments, the air flow devices 176 and / or 178 may be air vents with openings that allow air flow to pass through it. The air grill is not necessarily in contact with the kitchen carts 108, but instead can be placed inside the cavity 150 to direct air to, or receive air from, the kitchen cart 108. The air grilles can be independent components attached to the ducts 132, 134 or alternatively they can be defined by openings in the ducts 132, 134 as opposed to being independent components. In various additional embodiments, the air flow devices 176 and / or 178 may be trolley valves configured to come into contact with and / or pair with the kitchen cart 108 and seal corresponding holes or openings of the kitchen cart 108 to provide an air flow through the holes / openings of the kitchen cart 108.

During use, the air flow through the supply and return system 118 flows through the air supply conduit 132, through the supply device 176 and into the cavity 150. The air passes over the kitchen carts 108 by means of an air supply arrangement on cart. The air from the cavity 150 then flows from the kitchen trolley 108 through the return device 178 and into the air return duct 134. Optionally, since the air tends to heat and rise since heat is transferred from the kitchen carts 108 to the air to cool the kitchen carts 108, the supply device 176 tends to be lower than the return device 178. For example, the supply device 176 may be located at or near the bottom wall 160. The return device 178 may be located at or near the upper wall 162 (or the intermediate wall 105). The supply and return ducts 132, 134 are placed far away from each other with at least one kitchen cart 108 placed between them to ensure that air flows around at least one kitchen cart 108 since the air flows from the supply conduit 132 to the return conduit 134. Other arrangements are possible, including having the air supply at or near the top and / or the return of air at or near the bottom.

In an exemplary embodiment, both the air supply conduit 132 and the air return conduit 134 are guided along the rear portion 126 of the kitchen 104 to the trolley compartment 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the supply conduit 132 is centered approximately within the cart compartment 102 between the side walls 168, 170 of the kitchen 104 and two return ducts 134 are provided on the side walls 168, 170; however, other arrangements are possible in alternative embodiments. For example, the positions of the supply and return ducts 132, 134 can be changed with multiple supply ducts 132 provided on the side walls 168, 170 and a single return duct 134 centered approximately within the cart compartment. In various additional embodiments, both supply and return ducts 132, 134 are provided close to the center of the cart compartment 102. Alternatively, no conduit is provided in the center of the cart compartment 102, instead, the supply conduit 132 is provided on the side wall 168 while the return conduit 134 is provided on the side wall 170, or vice versa.

Optionally, the air supply conduit 132 and the air return conduit 134 are both positioned in front of the rear portion 126. For example, as in the illustrated embodiment, the air supply conduit 132 and the air return conduit 134 are placed in front of the rear portion 126 for the entire height of the kitchen 104. The air supply conduit 132 and the Air return duct 134 is run behind the cabinets (and can occupy at least part of the space used for the cabinets in conventional systems). The air supply conduit 132 and the air return conduit 134 are guided through the intermediate wall 105 to the interior of the cart compartment 102. The ducts 132, 134 run along the inner surface of the rear wall 166 within the cavity 150.

However, in various embodiments, portions of the air supply conduit 132 and the air return conduit 134 can be placed behind the rear portion 126. For example, above the intermediate wall 105, the air supply conduit 132 and the air return conduit 134 may be placed behind the rear portion 126 and in, just above or just below the intermediate wall 105, the air supply conduit 132 and the air return conduit 134 can be shifted forward so that the air supply conduit 132 and the air return conduit 134 are placed in front of the rear portion 126, and the wall 166 rear, below the intermediate wall 105 (for example, in the cart compartment 102). The air supply conduit 132 and the air return conduit 134 can be located behind the rear portion 126 above the intermediate wall 105 because such placement does not have a negative impact against the passenger's leg room, which is only it is affected in height generally at or below the intermediate wall 105 (for example, below about 3 feet (1 meter)). Such placement does not bother the passenger when sitting in the passenger seat row 114 immediately behind the kitchen 104. By guiding the air supply conduit 132 and the air return conduit 134 behind the rear portion 126, but by above the intermediate wall 105 does not have a negative impact on the storage space above the intermediate wall 105.

The supply conduit 132 includes a front part 180 in the cavity 150 facing the doors 152 and a rear part 182 opposite the front part 180 and facing the rear wall 166. The supply conduit 132 includes first and second side portions 184, 186 in the cavity 150 extending between the front part 180 and the rear part 182. In an exemplary embodiment, the side portions 184, 186 are exposed in the cavity 150 and are oriented towards the kitchen carts 108 on opposite side portions of the supply conduit 132; however, only one side part 184 or 186 can be oriented towards the kitchen carts 108 in alternative embodiments, the other side part 184 or 186 being oriented towards the side wall 168 or 170, such as when the supply conduit 132 is provided in the side part of the cart compartment 102 as opposed to in the center of the cart compartment 102.

The supply conduit 132 is placed in the cavity 150 so that the supply conduit 132 is placed in front of the rear wall 166 and the rear portion 182 of the supply conduit 132 is oriented towards the rear wall 166. The inner surface 172 of the rear wall 166 is placed backwards or behind the supply conduit 132. The supply conduit 132 extends vertically below the intermediate wall 105 at least partially between the intermediate wall 105 and the lower wall 160. Placing the supply conduit 132 in front of the rear wall 166 (as opposed to the rear wall as with conventional systems) allows the supply conduit 132 to be placed in line with the kitchen carts 108. For example, the supply conduit 132 can be placed between two kitchen carts 108 and can direct air through the side part (s) 184 and / or 186 towards the kitchen cart 108. The cart compartment 102 houses one or more kitchen carts 108 between the supply conduit 132 and the return conduit 134 and air can flow from the supply conduit 132 through and around the trolley (s) 108 from cooker to return duct 134.

Optionally, the supply conduit 132 may extend only partially in the cavity 150 (through the depth between the rear wall 166 and the front wall 164). For example, the front part 180 may be far from the rear wall 166 (in front of the rear wall 166) and away from the front wall 164 (behind the front wall 164). As such, the supply conduit 132 occupies cart space in the cart compartment 102. Optionally, the supply conduit 132 may extend approximately midway through the depth (for example, approximately centered between the rear wall 166 and the front wall 164); however, the supply conduit 132 may extend any depth between the rear wall 166 and the front wall 164. As such, a first cart space 188 is provided in front of the front part 180 to receive a kitchen cart 108 'of reduced depth, such as a kitchen cart that is about half the depth of a usual kitchen cart 108. The usual kitchen carts 108 are located in a second cart space 189, which is a full-depth cart space that occupies the entire depth of the cavity 150 between the front wall 164 and the rear wall 166. Optionally, at least a portion of the front part 180 may form an angle so that the front part 180 is not parallel with respect to the rear part 182. For example, the supply conduit 132 may be deeper in a lower portion 190 of the supply conduit 132 and more superficial in an intermediate wall portion 192 of the supply conduit 132 (located immediately below the intermediate wall 105) and / or an upper part 194 of the supply conduit 132 (located at or near the heat exchanger 116.

In an exemplary embodiment, the supply conduit 132 includes a plurality of the supply devices 176 that direct the air flow in multiple directions in the cavity 150. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, supply devices 176 are provided on both sides 184, 186 lateral and on the front part 180. The supply devices 176 thus direct the air flow to the kitchen carts 108 located in the first side part 184, the kitchen carts 108 located in the second side part 186 and the reduced depth kitchen cart located in front of supply duct 132. In an exemplary embodiment, the lower part 190 of the supply conduit 132 extends completely to the lower wall 160 and one or more of the supply devices 176 are placed at or near the lower wall 160. Optionally, one or more supply devices 176 may additionally or alternatively be located away from the lower part 190, such as approximately halfway between the intermediate wall part 192 and the lower part 190.

The return ducts 134 are provided on the side walls 168, 170. The return ducts 134 extend through the intermediate wall 105 in the cavity 150 of the cart compartment 102. Portions of the return ducts 134 extend in the cavity 150 below the intermediate wall 105. In an exemplary embodiment, the return ducts 134 only extend a short distance in the cavity 150 and the return devices 178 are provided in the intermediate wall 105. As such, the hottest air at the top of the cavity 150 is made to enter the return devices 178. Optionally, kitchen carts 108 can be fitted under return ducts 134. The return ducts 134 may extend at least part of the depth of the cavity 150 from the rear wall 166 to the front wall 164. Optionally, the return ducts 134 may extend a greater or all of the depth of the cavity 150. In various other embodiments, the return ducts 134 may be provided on the side walls 168, 170 instead of being inside the walls 168, 170 lateral.

Figure 6 is a front cross-sectional view across a width of the kitchen 104 according to an exemplary embodiment showing the air supply and the return of air in different positions to those of the embodiment shown in Figure 2 In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the kitchen system 100 includes two supply ducts 132 on the side walls 168, 170 and a single return duct 134 approximately centered on the kitchen 104.

The supply conduits 132 extend through the intermediate wall 105 in the cavity 150 of the cart compartment 102, such as to the lower wall 160. The supply devices 176 are provided at or near the bottom 190 to supply cold air to the lower portions of the cart compartment 102. The kitchen carts 108 are in line with the supply ducts 132. The supply conduits 132 may extend at least part of the depth of the cavity 150 from the rear wall 166 to the front wall 164. Optionally, the supply conduits 132 may extend for the most part or all of the depth of the cavity 150. In various other embodiments, the supply conduits 132 may be provided on the side walls 168, 170 instead of being inside of the lateral walls 168, 170.

The return conduit 134 extends through the intermediate wall 105 to the cavity 150 of the cart compartment 102. A portion of the return conduit 134 extends in the cavity 150 below the intermediate wall 105. In an exemplary embodiment, the return conduit 134 only extends a short distance in the cavity 150 and return devices 178 are provided in the intermediate wall 105. As such, the hottest air at the top of the cavity 150 is made to enter the return devices 178. Optionally, kitchen carts 108 can be fitted under the return conduit 134.

A kitchen system is provided for an aircraft that supplies cooling air to a kitchen compartment to cool kitchen carts. The return and / or supply ducts and the return and / or supply devices are provided in the cart space in front of the rear wall of the cart compartment to reduce a thickness of the rear wall and therefore a size or footprint of the kitchen set. Additional space is provided in the passenger compartment by removing ducts in the rear wall and, therefore, making the wall thinner, allowing the change of the outer surface of the rear wall of the cart compartment forward, reducing the depth of the kitchen. Additional space for passenger seats or other functions is provided with the reduced depth kitchen.

According to another aspect, a kitchen is provided comprising: a cart compartment configured to receive at least one kitchen cart, the cart compartment being defined by a plurality of walls, comprising the plurality of walls a rear wall behind the cart compartment, side walls along the side parts of the cart compartment, an intermediate wall above the cart compartment and a bottom wall below the cart compartment; at least one door coupled to the cart compartment to enclose and allow access to the cart compartment; and a supply duct configured to supply cooled air flow to the cart compartment, the supply duct being placed in the cart compartment in front of the rear wall and placed in the cart compartment between the intermediate wall and the bottom wall, including the supply conduit a supply device to allow air flow from an interior of the supply conduit to the interior of the cart compartment.

Optionally, the supply duct is placed in line with the at least one kitchen cart.

Optionally, the rear wall extends behind the supply duct and the at least one kitchen cart is received in the cart compartment.

Optionally, the rear wall includes an inner surface facing the cart compartment and an outer surface opposite the inner surface, the supply conduit being placed in front of the inner surface.

Optionally, the rear wall is devoid of conduits.

Optionally, the supply conduit includes a rear part facing the rear wall, a front part oriented towards the at least one door and a side part extending between the front part and the rear part, the side part being oriented towards the Less a kitchen cart.

Optionally, the supply conduit includes two side parts, including the supply conduit supply devices on both side parts and on the front part.

Optionally, the supply conduit extends to the lower wall, the supply device being placed at or near the lower wall.

Optionally, the supply duct occupies cart space in the cart compartment.

Optionally, the supply duct is placed between at least two kitchen carts.

Optionally, the kitchen further comprises a return duct in fluid communication with the cart compartment, the return duct being placed in the cart compartment in front of the rear wall and placed in the cart compartment between the intermediate wall and the wall bottom, including the return duct a return device to allow air flow from the carriage compartment to an interior of the return duct.

Optionally, at least one of the supply conduit or the return conduit is placed along one of the side walls in front of the rear wall.

Optionally, the cart compartment houses the at least one kitchen cart between the supply duct and the return duct.

Optionally, the supply conduit extends over the intermediate wall to a heat exchanger.

Optionally, the supply conduit includes a front part oriented towards the at least one door, the front part being placed approximately midway between the rear wall and the at least one door.

According to another aspect, a kitchen is provided comprising: a cart compartment that includes a cavity configured to receive at least one kitchen cart, the cart compartment being defined by a plurality of walls, the plurality of walls comprising a rear wall behind of the cart compartment and opposite a front wall of the cart compartment; at least one door coupled to the front wall of the cart compartment to enclose and allow access to the cart compartment; and a supply conduit configured to supply cooled air flow to the cart compartment, the supply conduit having a rear part facing the rear wall, the supply conduit having a front part in the cavity and oriented towards the at least one door and the supply conduit having a side part in the cavity that extends between the front and the rear part of the supply conduit and configured to orient towards the at least one kitchen cart, the supply conduit including a delivery device in the lateral part that allows the flow of air from an interior of the supply duct to the interior of the cart compartment through the lateral part.

Optionally, the supply duct is placed in line with the at least one kitchen cart.

Optionally, the rear wall extends behind the supply duct and the at least one kitchen cart is received in the cart compartment.

Optionally, the rear wall is devoid of conduits.

According to another aspect, a cooking system is provided comprising: a heat exchanger that supplies cooled air flow; an air flow supply and return system having a supply conduit and a return conduit in fluid communication with the heat exchanger; and a kitchen that receives the supply duct and the return duct and that is in fluid communication with the heat exchanger, the kitchen comprising a cart compartment that includes a cavity configured to receive a first kitchen cart and a second cart kitchen, the cavity receiving the supply duct to supply cooled air flow to the cart compartment, the supply duct including a supply device to allow air flow from an interior of the supply duct to the cart compartment, having the first kitchen cart a reduced depth compared to the second kitchen cart, the cart compartment being defined by a plurality of walls that includes a rear wall behind the cavity, the cavity being divided into a first cart space configured to receive the first kitchen cart and a second cart space configured for To receive the second kitchen cart, the first cart space having a first depth, the second cart space having a second depth, the supply conduit being placed in the cart compartment between the rear wall and the first cart space of so that the first depth is less than the second depth.

According to another aspect, a kitchen is provided comprising: a cart compartment configured to receive at least one kitchen cart, the cart compartment being defined by a plurality of walls, the plurality of walls comprising a rear wall behind the cart compartment ; at least one door coupled to the cart compartment to enclose and allow access to the cart compartment; and a supply duct configured to supply cooled air flow to the cart compartment, the supply duct being placed in the cart compartment in front of the rear wall, the supply duct including a supply device to allow air flow from inside the supply duct to the inside of the cart compartment.

Optionally, the plurality of walls defines a cavity configured to receive the at least one kitchen cart, wherein the rear wall is behind the cart compartment and opposite a front wall of the cart compartment; the at least one door attaches to the front wall of the cart compartment; and the supply conduit has a rear part oriented towards the rear wall, a front part in the cavity and oriented towards the at least one door, and a side part in the cavity that extends between the front part and the rear part of the conduit of supply, the lateral part being configured to be oriented towards the at least one kitchen cart, where the supply device is located on the lateral part that allows the flow of air from the inside of the supply duct to the interior of the storage compartment. cart through the side.

Optionally, the plurality of walls further comprises side walls along the side parts of the cart compartment, an intermediate wall above the cart compartment, and a bottom wall below the cart compartment, where the supply conduit is place in the cart compartment between the intermediate wall and the lower wall.

Optionally, the supply duct is placed in line with the at least one kitchen cart.

Optionally, the rear wall extends behind the supply duct and the at least one kitchen cart is received in the cart compartment.

Optionally, the rear wall is devoid of conduits.

Optionally, the rear wall includes an inner surface facing the cart compartment and an outer surface opposite the inner surface, the supply conduit being placed in front of the inner surface.

Optionally, the supply conduit includes a rear part oriented towards the rear wall, a front part oriented towards the at least one door, and a lateral part extending between the front part and the rear part of the supply conduit, the part being side oriented towards the at least one kitchen cart, preferably in which the supply conduit includes two lateral parts, the supply conduit including supply devices in both lateral parts and in the front part.

Optionally, the supply conduit extends to the lower wall, the supply device being placed at or near the lower wall.

Optionally, the supply duct occupies cart space in the cart compartment.

Optionally, the supply duct is placed between at least two kitchen carts.

Optionally, the kitchen further comprises a return duct in fluid communication with the cart compartment, the return duct being placed in the cart compartment in front of the rear wall and placed in the cart compartment between the intermediate wall and the wall bottom, including return duct a return device to allow air flow from the cart compartment to an interior of the return duct.

Optionally, at least one of the supply conduit or the return conduit is placed along one of the side walls in front of the rear wall.

Optionally, the cart compartment houses the at least one kitchen cart between the supply duct and the return duct.

Optionally, the supply conduit extends over the intermediate wall to a heat exchanger.

Optionally, the supply conduit includes a front part oriented towards the at least one door, the front part being placed approximately midway between the rear wall and the at least one door.

It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not limiting. For example, the previously described embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various embodiments without departing from their scope. The dimensions, types of materials, orientations of the various components, and the number and positions of the various components described herein are intended to define parameters of certain embodiments, and under no circumstances are they limiting, but are simply embodiments by way of as an example Many other embodiments and modifications within the scope of the claims will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the above description. The scope of the various embodiments must therefore be determined with reference to the appended claims, together with the total scope of equivalents to which such claims belong. The terms "that includes" and "in which" are used as usual Spanish equivalents of the respective terms "that includes" and "where." In addition, the terms "first", "second" and "third," etc. They are simply used as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on your objects.

Claims (14)

1. Aircraft kitchen (104) comprising: a cart compartment (102) configured to receive at least one kitchen cart (108), the cart compartment (102) being defined by a plurality of walls (154), the plurality of walls comprising a rear wall (166) behind of the cart compartment (102), side walls (168, 170) along the side parts of the cart compartment (102), an intermediate wall (105) above the cart compartment (102) and a wall (160 ) lower below the cart compartment (102); at least one door (152) coupled to the cart compartment (102) to enclose and allow access to the cart compartment (102); and a supply conduit (132) configured to supply cooled air flow to the cart compartment (102), the supply conduit (132) being placed in the cart compartment (102) in front of the rear wall (166) and placed in the cart compartment (102) between the intermediate wall (105) and the lower wall (160), the supply conduit (132) including a supply device (176) to allow air flow from an interior of the conduit ( 132) to the interior of the cart compartment (102), in which the supply conduit (132) includes a rear part (182) oriented towards the rear wall (166), a front part (180) oriented towards the at least one door (152) and a lateral part (184, 186) extending between the front part (180) and the rear part (182) of the supply conduit (132), in which the part (184, 186 ) side is configured to face at least one kitchen cart (108). 2. Aircraft kitchen (104) according to claim 1, wherein the supply duct (132) is placed in line with the at least one kitchen cart (108). 3. Aircraft kitchen (104) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the rear wall (166) extends behind the supply duct (132) and the at least one kitchen trolley (108) is received in the shopping compartment (102). 4. Aircraft kitchen (104) according to any preceding claim, wherein the rear wall (166) includes an inner surface (172) oriented towards the carriage compartment (102) and an outer surface (174) opposite the surface ( 172) inside, the supply conduit (132) being placed in front of the inner surface. 5. Aircraft kitchen (104) according to any preceding claim, wherein the rear wall (166) is devoid of conduits. 6. Aircraft kitchen (104) according to claim 1, wherein the supply conduit (132) includes two side parts, including the supply conduit (132) the supply devices (176) on both side parts and in the front part. 7. Aircraft kitchen (104) according to any preceding claim, wherein the supply conduit (132) extends to the bottom wall (160), the supply device (176) being placed at or near the wall (160) ) lower. 8. Aircraft kitchen (104) according to any preceding claim, wherein the supply conduit (132) occupies cart space in the cart compartment (102). 9. Aircraft kitchen (104) according to any preceding claim, wherein the supply duct (132) is placed between at least two kitchen carts (108). 10. Aircraft cooker (104) according to any preceding claim, further comprising a return conduit (134) in fluid communication with the trolley compartment (102), the return conduit (134) being placed in the compartment ( 102) of carriage in front of the rear wall (166) and placed in the carriage compartment (102) between the intermediate wall (105) and the lower wall (160), including the return conduit (134) a device (178) return to allow air flow from the carriage compartment (102) to an interior of the return duct (134). 11. Aircraft cooker (104) according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the supply duct (132) or the return duct (134) is placed along one of the side walls (168, 170) in front of the rear wall (166). 12. Aircraft kitchen (104) according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the cart compartment (102) houses the at least one kitchen cart (108) between the supply conduit (132) and the conduit ( 134) return. 13. Aircraft cooker (104) according to any preceding claim, wherein the supply conduit (132) extends above the intermediate wall (105) to a heat exchanger (116). 14. Aircraft kitchen according to any preceding claim, wherein the supply conduit (132) includes a front part (180) oriented towards the at least one door (152), the front part (180) being positioned approximately midway through I walk between the rear wall (166) and the at least one door.